Art students from Zayed University (ZU) are set to showcase their work at the prestigious Pingyao International Photography Festival in China. The festival, which runs until September 23, highlights the talents of established and emerging photographers from around the globe in the historic city of Pingyao.
A total of eight ZU students will be featured in a collective exhibition titled “Ephemeral Spaces.” The artists—Hiba Alhashmi, Hoor Albedwawi, Loulwa Al Ali, Mezna Alzaidi, Mi Alwheibi, Safiya Baawadha, Shouq Alhammadi, and Wafaa Alyammayi—delve into themes surrounding photography, space, time, perception, and local histories through their creative interpretations.
“The participation of students at the festival represents a valuable cross-cultural outreach opportunity,” commented Ioannis Galanopoulos-Papavasileiou, associate professor of art. “This is of great significance, not only to Zayed University, but also to the festival and the broader photography community.”
The student exhibition examines the delicate balance between permanence and transience. Galanopoulos-Papavasileiou remarked that the selected students are relatively new to photography. “For the work of these students to be selected for exhibition at such a prestigious international event is a testament to the fact that young artists from the UAE have a solid grasp of the conceptual, technical, aesthetic, and societal dimensions of photographic practice,” he stated. He also noted the increasing recognition of UAE-based artists in the global art scene.
“It’s crucial for students to gain exposure to international festivals even before they graduate. These festivals build confidence, encouraging the students to step beyond their comfort zones,” he added.
Galanopoulos-Papavasileiou, who is also presenting a solo exhibition titled “Internal Landscapes,” will discuss the challenges faced in photographic education during the festival. His exhibition focuses on health imagery and its societal implications.
While the students’ exhibition and his solo show may differ, he finds a common thread between them. “The exhibitions are complementary in that one explores transforming outdoor spaces, while the other examines internal views of the human body, which can be perceived as areas, borders, or territories,” he explained.
He hopes that showcasing student work will motivate them to pursue careers as artists. “I hope they feel inspired and empowered by art, unafraid to build, experiment, and share their work with the public, even if they feel they are not yet ready to take the spotlight,” he said. “Most importantly, I encourage them to commit to a cause, remain patient, and nurture creative resilience in order to achieve both group and individual goals.”
The Pingyao International Photography Festival is an exciting opportunity for Zayed University students, showcasing their creativity and contributing to the vibrant photography community.